Cox Communications preps for next home security launch

After a pilot trial last summer in Tucson, Ariz., Cox Communications will roll its home security service into Phoenix next week.

Cox, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon and AT&T have all deployed home security, or home automation, services in varying degrees. Comcast expects to have its service, Xfinity Home, available across most of its footprint by the end of the year.

Cox has been flying under the radar a bit with its Cox Home Security service, which starts at $29.99 a month, with installation starting at $99 a month. Cox Home Security also features cellular backup as part of the base $29.99 price. In addition to providing security, as well as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors, the service also allows customers to keep track of areas of their homes via cameras and to control home lighting and thermostats.

Customers can add additional video monitoring and lighting controls on an a la carte basis to customize the service to their home floor plans.

Cox’s system allows viewers to access the service’s controls via the Web or through apps for smartphones.